India has a massive demand for affordable smartphones and phones under a budget of Rs 7,000 act as a stepping stone to the digital world.
In fact, when brands started offering features such as multiple rear cameras, larger batteries and decent RAM on devices under Rs 10,000, one would have thought that the demand for smartphones below Rs 7,000 might recede. However, we still have a lot of consumers who prefer entry-level phones or are upgrading from a feature phone.
These phones are often used by users who primarily use the phone for making and receiving calls and streaming video content over the popular application apart from occasionally sending a message or two via WhatsApp. Devices that run on 3GB RAM processors - where users aren't too keen to load up scores of applications.
1. Redmi 9A
2. Realme C11 2021
3. Infinix Smart 5A
4. Tecno Spark Go 2021
5. Micromax In 2b
6. Samsung Galaxy M02
Over the past few months, we’ve seen companies launching many devices priced under Rs 15,000 while also concentrating on mid-range devices priced under Rs 30,000. There haven’t been many interesting devices launched so far in the budget space that have made it to the list, but we expect more budget devices to arrive on this list in the coming months.
Given the impact of the nearly two-year pandemic-led lockdowns and the impact on the supply chain ecosystem, the prices have generally gone up in almost all the price bands and the sub-Rs.7000 phone category has also been impacted. The recent change in the GST component also saw the prices go high ever so slightly.
Xiaomi’s Redmi 9A is the company’s most affordable phone launched in recent times. You get a 6.53-inch HD+ display which is certified by TUV Rheinland for low Blue light. On the inside, the Realme 9A is powered by octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 SoC onboard clocked at 2GHz. As for the optics, the Redmi 9A comes with a single 13MP sensor. For selfies, you get a 5MP snapper.
Further, the device packs in a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via a micro USB port. Connectivity options on the device include Dual-SIM 4G LTE, VoLTE, and you also get an expandable slot for expansion up to 512GB. Other features include Face unlock, P2i water resistance, and there is also a 3.5mm audio jack onboard.
The Realme C11 2021 is a phone with a 5,000mAh battery but misses out on the fast charging front. The phone also supports reverse charging to charge phones and AIoT products like earbuds.
It has a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset. The Realme C11 2021 is available in 2+32GB for Rs 6,999 now. It comes with a sole 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. The device runs on Android 11 OS and weighs 190 grams.
The Infinix Smart 5A is the new addition to the sub Rs 7,000 segment and comes with a 6.52-inch HD+ display, a big 5,000mAh battery, and is powered by MediaTek Helio A20 chipset.
Further, it comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The phone comes in Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, and Ocean Wave colour options and measures 8.7mm and weighs 183 grams. Other notable features include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, a triple rear camera, and an 8MP selfie camera.
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is priced at Rs 7,299, but can be yours for Rs 6,999, thanks to Amazon coupons worth Rs 300. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 comes with a 6.52-inch HD+ display and is powered by a quad-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz.
In terms of optics the smartphone is equipped with a 13MP dual rear camera and an 8MP selfie shooter. You are also getting a rear mounted for added security. The phone comes with a big 5,000mAh battery which can last for a couple of days easily. It comes with a unique back panel design as well.
The successor to the Micromax In 1b, the Micromax In 2b starts at Rs 7,999. If you can extend your budget by Rs 1,000, this can be a great phone as the performance of the phone is excellent for its price. Powered by the new 12nm Unisoc T610 processor, it is claimed to be 45% faster than the competition.
There is a 6.52-inch display with an HD+ resolution with brightness of 400 nits. On the rear is a 13MP primary camera with a 2MP secondary sensor, as well as a 5MP selfie shooter. The Micromax In 2b runs off a large 5,000mAH battery and supports 10W fast charging. The adapter and Type-C cable comes included. It runs on clean stock Android.
The Samsung Galaxy M02 sports a 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display. Under the hood, the device is powered by a MediaTek processor. For Rs 6,999, you get the 2+32GB variant and for Rs 7,499, you get 3+32GB variant.
In terms of camera, the Galaxy M02 sports a dual rear camera setup with a 13MP primary shooter coupled with a 2MP macro lens. To the front, there is a 5MP snapper housed inside the notch. To keep the device running all day, the Galaxy M02 is backed by a massive 5000mAh battery.
Want to know about the latest happenings in tech?
